Convicted ex-NFL player found guilty on six serious charges in a historic dog fighting ring
Former NFL Running Back Leshon Johnson Convicted of Operating a Large-Scale Dog-Fighting Trafficking Venture
Leshon Johnson, a former NFL running back who spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants, has been convicted on six felony counts related to operating a large-scale dog-fighting trafficking venture.
Johnson's career yardage on the NFL stage was mostly accumulated during his time with the Arizona Cardinals. In 1996, he started eight of his 15 games, rushing for 634 yards with three touchdowns. After one more season in Arizona, he joined the New York Giants in 1999, where he played in a backup role.
However, Johnson's life took a different turn when he was indicted for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures. The indictment went into detail about Johnson's operation at "Mal Kant Kennels."
Evidence was delivered to the federal jury that showed Johnson bred and trafficked "champion" and "grand champion" fighting dogs. Authorities seized 190 dogs from his operation, Mal Kant Kennels, which is reportedly the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single person in a federal dogfighting case.
Johnson had a prior state conviction for dogfighting in 2004. He awaits formal sentencing, where each of the six felony counts could result in prison time and substantial fines. The U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson stated that dog fighting has no place in a civilized society and commended the law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
The FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the FBI will not tolerate dogfighting and that those who engage in it will face justice. Attorney General Pamela Bondi also condemned Johnson's crimes, stating they were vile and that he will face severe consequences.
Johnson was a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 NFL Draft. After his time in the NFL, he played in the XFL. He caught 15 passes for 176 yards and a score during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
Notably, Deion Sanders, a former NFL player, announced he had an 'aggressive form' of bladder cancer during this time.
Johnson surrendered to the government the 190 dogs seized in this case. The conviction came from an unsealed indictment in March. As of now, formal sentencing has not occurred, but Johnson faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 per count when sentenced at a later date.
- Leshon Johnson's conviction on six felony counts highlights the intersection of sports and crime-and-justice, as he was a former NFL running back who operated a large-scale dog-fighting trafficking venture in addition to his football career.
- The health and well-being of animals is a general-news topic, particularly in the case of Johnson, who was indicted for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act and bred and trafficked champion fighting dogs at Mal Kant Kennels.
- The NFL stage, where Johnson achieved success as a running back, now stands in stark contrast to his conviction, serving as an example of how some athletes may struggle with criminal activities outside of their sport.
- The sentencing of Johnson for his dog-fighting crimes could significantly impact the NFL and American football community, as the consequences could result in prison time and substantial fines, emphasizing the importance of champions in sports upholding higher standards both on and off the field.
